Council work-ers will move in next month to chop down trees in a leafy suburb after reaching agreement with protesters.

The diseased trees have been branded a danger but residents have been seeking assurances the neighbourhood will not lose its greenery all at once.

Civic Centre officials say they will be replaced by a variety of mature trees and they will keep an eye on others for signs of disease.

The felling operation at Wingrove Road, a pleasant tree-lined street close to Newcastle General Hospital, will take about two weeks.

Following an inspection, officials found 24 trees they claim are in danger of falling down and injuring people or damaging property.

When residents were told the trees were for the chop they protested and called for the work to be phased and mature trees to replace those that are lost.

They also fear other trees will be chopped down, damaging the character of the street.

One nearby resident, Newcastle University lecturer Tim Townshend, who is researching links between city living and health, said as well as looking nice, trees are good for people.

"People generally like trees," he said. "There is an aesthetic benefit, there is a psychological benefit, they provide shelter in rain, shade in sun and a buffer zone between pedestrians and traffic."

Wingrove councillor Nigel Todd, who chaired the meeting between more than 50 residents and council officials, said they agreed a package of proposals. He said the 24 diseased trees will be replaced by 40 new ones and the council will also ensure new street lights, repairs to footpaths and gutters, and restoration of grass verges will take place at the same time.

A council spokesman said: "Council officers have always proposed that 24 trees should be replaced on Wingrove Road as a matter of urgency and that the remaining trees in the area should be monitored for signs of disease."

Wingrove Road resident Liz Bamber also said the council's plan seemed like a reasonable compromise.